Champion Day: 12th March 2019 (Prize Money - £1,175,000)

1.30pm: Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle runner-up Aramon can go one better at the Cheltenham Festival and looks attractively priced at 12/1.

2.10pm: Racing Post Arkle Novices' Chase (1m 7f 199y)

EARLY FANCY: The Willie Mullins-trained Cilaos Emery jumped beautifully last time out and is a horse on the up. 7/1 appears to be a fair enough price.

2.50pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (3m 1f)

EARLY FANCY: Alan Kings’ Talkischeap is an exciting prospect and at 14/1 can give punters a good run for their money.

3.30pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: Ryanair Hurdle victor Sharjah can put it up to the top few in the market and oblige for Willie Mullins at 9/1.

4.10pm: OLBG Mares' Hurdle (2m 3f 200y)

EARLY FANCY: Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle winner Lady Buttons can continue her upward curve and score for the North at odds of around 14/1.

4.50pm: Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase (2m 4f 44y)

EARLY FANCY: Highway One O One can return to winning ways in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase and give trainer Chris Gordon a welcome 16/1 winner.

5.30pm: National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders' Novice Chase (3m 7f 147y)

EARLY FANCY: Crack amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen has the perfect partner here in Impulsive Star and they can follow up on their Warwick success at odds of around 14/1.

Ladies Day: March 13th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,020,000)

1.30pm: Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f)

EARLY FANCY: Named after 20-time champion jump jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, Champ can be just that in the opening race on Ladies Day and is a worthy favourite at 3/1.

2.10pm: RSA Insurance Novices' Chase (3m 80y)

EARLY FANCY: The Alan Spence-owned On The Blind Side is a rather generous 16/1 for the RSA Chase given that he is trained by the genius Nicky Henderson and won well last time out.

2.50pm: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)

EARLY FANCY: Favourite for last year’s Ebor Handicap, Stratum is yet to trouble the judge over hurdles but I am sure there is more to come from this very useful horse. Odds of 20/1 for the five-year-old look extremely tempting.

3.30pm: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (1m 7f 199y)

EARLY FANCY: Altior surely has to be the banker of the meeting and 4/9 is the best price you will be able to muster anywhere at the moment.

4.10pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3m 6f 37y)

EARLY FANCY: The veteran Bless The Wings appears to come alive over these fences and he will certainly give his each-way supporters a good run for their money at 20/1 on what will probably be his last ever visit to Prestbury Park.

4.50pm: Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: The JP McManus-owned Fine Brunello can progress once again in the juvenile division and reward his followers at the handsome odds of 14/1.

5.30pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: The David Pipe-trained Eden Du Houx looks a nice type for the Pond House trainer and 25/1 looks far too big of a price for the two-time bumper winner.

St Patrick's Thursday: March 14th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,195,000)

1.30pm: JLT Novices' Chase (2m 3f 166y)

EARLY FANCY: Dipper Novices' Chase winner Lostintranslation can continue his great run of form and his liking for the Cheltenham course by registering a victory here. He is currently trading at 6/1 in Cheltenham horses betting odds.

2.10pm: Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: The ten-year-old Sykes invariably runs a big race at this venue and can reward each-way backers at his current odds of 33/1. Narrowly just touched off here in October, he will be on the premises late again in this feature.

2.50pm: Ryanair Chase (2m 4f 127y)

EARLY FANCY: Monalee ran a brave race at the Festival to be second to Presenting Percy last season and can run another cracker this year for his trainer Henry De Bromhead. Take odds of 7/1 now.

3.30pm: Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: Paisley Park was a very popular winner of the Cleeve Hurdle and I expect there to be plenty more to come from the Emma Lavelle-trained runner who scored with some authority up that Cheltenham hill. Odds of 9/4 are a fair reflection of his chance.

4.10pm: Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (Handicap Chase) (2m 4f 127y)

EARLY FANCY: Trainer Kerry Lee may have had a lean season but her Happy Diva can run a big race and is all poised for the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. Odds of 14/1 are available about this likeable mare.

4.50pm: Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: Posh Trish can continue her progress through the ranks and is nicely priced at 12/1 to land this valuable Cheltenham prize for Paul Nicholls.

5.30pm: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase (3m 2f)

EARLY FANCY: Glenloe was just denied victory in last year’s Pertemps Final and can make amends this year as a solid looking chaser. Gordon Elliott’s runner is ranked as a 16/1 shot for this competitive contest for amateur riders.

Gold Cup Day: March 15th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,200,000)

1.30pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: After an all-the-way victory in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle, Sir Erec certainly appears to be the horse to beat in the Triumph. 11/8 is a decent price about the current race favourite.

2.10pm: Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: The Paul Nicholls-trained Grand Sancy has been mixing it in some good company this season and will be well suited to being back in a handicap. Odds of 20/1 now will look generous come the day of the race.

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: The Willie Mullins-trained Blackbow can make his presence felt in this sphere and is hovering around the 14/1 mark in the betting to do so.

3.30pm: Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2f 70y)

EARLY FANCY: This is probably one of the most open Gold Cups in many a year and therefore I’m going to side with a relative outsider each-way. The Willie Mullins-trained Killultagh Vic has shown that he still retains plenty of ability and looks far too big a price at 40/1 for this.

4.10pm: St James's Place Foxhunter Chase (3m 2f 70y)

EARLY FANCY: Haymount ran a cracking third in the National Hunt Challenge Cup in 2017 and if he runs anywhere near that form he should go well at odds of 16/1.

4.50pm: Johny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (2m 62y)

EARLY FANCY: Ordinary World was last seen when chasing home Min in the Dublin Chase and can be backed confidently at 25/1 for a good each-way run in this race against lesser company.

5.30pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f 56y)

EARLY FANCY: The Joseph O’Brien-trained Lone Wolf could be the one to watch at 12/1 in this race. Not beaten that far on his last run behind Battleoverdoyen, the six-year-old will be a willing partner for any competent Conditional rider.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs Bolton Wanderers: Best Bets

BCFC – 1/2

Draw – 27/10

Bolton – 13/2

Birmingham were rampant in the first half at Loftus Road on Saturday, putting four goals past a hapless Queens Park Rangers defence.

That man Che Adams was outstanding once again, securing his second hat-trick of the 2018/19 Championship campaign.

Adams has scored 19 league goals this season and plenty of punters will expect the BCFC star to make the difference again on Tuesday night.

Bolton Wanderers are next up for Garry Monk’s side and the St Andrew’s faithful will be hoping for a third successive victory.

1/2 for Birmingham to claim three points isn’t much of a price but fans will be expecting big things ahead of Tuesday’s contest.

Only three teams have conceded more goals than Bolton so far this campaign and the Blues could put their opponents to the sword.

Monk will have his side fired up and ready to go and Birmingham could go for the jugular in the early stages.

21/20 for the Blues to take a lead into half-time is a decent price – football fans across the country will be expecting Birmingham to win quite comfortably.

23/20 for Adams to score in 90 minutes might be the price of the night.

The Blues star has scored in six Championship fixtures in a row and he is quickly maturing into one of the best players in the second tier. Back against Che Adams at your peril.

888sport Championship betting odds show Birmingham at 22/1 to secure promotion to the Premier League and Blues fans will be dreaming of a trip to Wembley.

For now, the primary focus is three points against Bolton though and Monk’s side must avoid complacency.

Birmingham have the quality to cruise to victory and the St Andrew’s support will be hoping for a positive result.

Monk will be urging his side to push on and claim three points ahead of a break this weekend – it is hard to look past BCFC in this clash.

Prediction: Birmingham 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (5/1)

Bet of the day: Che Adams to score anytime (23/20)

Outside punt: Birmingham to score in both halves (2/1)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The 2018/19 Champions League last-16 draw is set. All four Premier League clubs know their fate and supporters can start to plan their European trips.

The last-16 round of games marks a significant point in the football calendar; this is the business end of the campaign.

Some of England’s biggest clubs will be happy with their pairings, others not so much. But that is the beauty of the draw.

The 2018/19 last-16 draw has managed to throw up a couple of mouth-watering ties and neutrals will be eagerly anticipating the first leg in February.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the last-16 clashes. Premier League football followers will be keeping a close eye on teams across the continent ahead of all four double headers.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

United’s resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues but the Red Devils are likely to fall short in this double header. Defensively, the Premier League side can be found wanting and PSG could run riot over two legs.

The first leg in Manchester will be telling. United HAVE to pick up a positive result at Old Trafford to stand any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. 7/10 for the Red Devils to avoid defeat could be the way to go.

Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edison Cavani will fancy their chances against the United back four. One of the best attacking units in world football, PSG will be confident of getting the job done over two legs.

Even if United manage to win at Old Trafford, PSG are very strong in front of their own fans. The Ligue 1 champions are 3/10 to advance to the next round and plenty of punters will be expecting a comfortable aggregate victory.

TIP: Man United to win OR draw the first leg @ 7/10

TO GO THROUGH: Paris Saint-Germain

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Tottenham did exceptionally well to reach the last-16 and Spurs fans will be confident of another big Champions League night. Mauricio Pochettino will have his side raring to go ahead of the first leg at Wembley Stadium.

The Premier League side know that victory is an absolute must on February 13^th. Taking the 13/5 for Spurs to win and both teams to score may prove prudent – this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

As with United, I still fancy Dortmund to progress over two legs. The Bundesliga leaders are juggling their domestic commitments but Lucien Favre’s side have the strength in depth to compete on multiple fronts.

A much closer contest to call, both teams are priced at 22/25 to advance to the last eight. It could go down to the wire but Dortmund’s consistency just edges it for me – Spurs could fall short once again.

TIP: Spurs to win and both teams to score in first leg @ 13/5

TO GO THROUGH: Borussia Dortmund

LIVERPOOL vs BAYERN MUNICH

Liverpool are out of both domestic cup competitions but Jurgen Klopp will be going all out in the Champions League. The Reds have a rich history in European football and another huge night under the Anfield floodlights beckons.

4/5 for Liverpool to advance to the next round is an excellent price but the 10/11 for Klopp’s men to win the first leg is even better. Liverpool have been sublime at Anfield this season and another positive performance awaits.

But this Bayern side is beatable. In fact, the Bavarians have struggled to inspire confidence for large parts of 2018/19 and Liverpool fans will be confident of success. The German giants aren’t the side that they were five years ago.

Bayern are still strong though and they will push Liverpool to their limits. Take the 11/20 for both teams to score in the first leg at Anfield. Both teams may end up scoring in both games but Liverpool should edge through to the quarter-finals.

TIP: Liverpool to win @ 10/11

TO GO THROUGH: Liverpool

SCHALKE 04 vs MANCHESTER CITY

Last but not least, we have Schalke and Manchester City. The German side have struggled to inspire confidence in the Bundesliga this season and a heavy defeat awaits if City go all out in the first leg.

Schalke will create opportunities on home soil though and that makes both teams to score a viable selection. Given Man City’s recent woes at the back, 7/10 is a solid price for a goal at both ends on February 20^th.

Pep’s side is back to full strength after a few injury issues and that can only mean positive things from a City perspective. The Blues are still in contention for all four major trophies in 2018/19 but this is the top priority.

Winning the Champions League is Guardiola’s main objective this campaign and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see City run riot. Over 2.5 away goals in the first leg at 7/5 is worth a punt given Schalke’s struggles in 2018/19.

TIP: Over 2.5 Man City goals in first leg @ 7/5

TO GO THROUGH: Manchester City

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Four British clubs entered the 2018/19 Europa League group stages and three managed to reach the knockout rounds. Could another British team go on and lift Europe’s secondary club trophy this campaign? It would be foolish to bet against it…

The Champions League remains the pinnacle of European football but the Europa League is certainly improving. With the lucrative offer of a spot in next season’s Champions League up for grabs, teams have started to prioritise this competition in recent years.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic are still in contention to lift the trophy this campaign. Plenty of punters will be getting behind all three clubs ahead of the knockout rounds. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who they are paired up with in the last-32.

BATE BORISOV vs ARSENAL

BATE will be fresh after two months off but that could have a negative impact on the hosts in this clash. The Belarusian side will need to perform at their highest level to stand any chance of giving Arsenal a contest on February 14^th.

The Gunners are expected to take the Europa League seriously and BATE will be wary of a good hiding. However, home advantage in the first leg should help and 3/4 for both teams to score is well worth considering.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are red hot favourites to progress. 1/20 isn’t much of a price at all when you think about it but the Gunners will be determined to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The Europa League could be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware in 2018/19.

Unai Emery’s side have lost three of their last seven games in all competitions but Arsenal fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. The Gunners will face BATE after a difficult run of Premier League games and Arsenal could run riot if looking to rebuild confidence.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

TO GO THROUGH: Arsenal

CELTIC vs VALENCIA

Celtic are 5/2 outsiders to advance to the next round – and with good reason. The Scottish champions haven’t been anywhere near as dominant in 2018/19 than in previous years and Brendan Rodgers may choose to focus on the domestic title race.

Beating Valencia over two legs is going to be very difficult indeed. The Bhoys have worked their way up to top spot in the league but only on goal difference. Retaining the crown is their top priority and it could come at the expense of the Europa League.

Valencia have been hit and miss this season but the Spanish outfit did manage to secure a 2-0 victory over Manchester United before crashing out of the Champions League. On that effort, you’d fancy Valencia to get past Celtic in the last-32.

Currently 11^th in the La Liga table, Valencia’s top-flight status is safe and that should give Marcelino’s men the freedom to push for Europa League glory. 11/10 for the visitors to grab a first leg advantage is an excellent price.

TIP: Valencia to win the first leg @ 11/10

TO GO THROUGH: Valencia

MALMO FF vs CHELSEA

Malmo will not be straightforward by any means. With just one defeat in their last 15 games in all competitions, the Swedish side will be full of confidence ahead of this clash. Chelsea cannot afford to allow complacency to sneak in.

Like BATE, Malmo last took to the field in December. Uwe Rosler’s side have scheduled one friendly fixture to take place before the first leg but that might not be enough. However, the 8/11 for over 0.5 Malmo goals carries plenty of appeal.

Chelsea have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks but the Blues should have enough class to put Malmo to the sword. Maurizio Sarri may wring the changes for this clash; he has tended to give fringe players a chance to impress in this competition.

I’m expecting Chelsea to send out a statement of intent here. 8/11 for the Premier League giants to take a lead into half-time is worth snapping up. The Blues could end up running away with this one if they go all out for the win.

TIP: Chelsea to lead at half-time @ 8/11

TO GO THROUGH: Chelsea

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

It’s not often that a ‘Super Sunday’ lives up to its Sky-created name. This Sunday is a little different, however, as three of the top four are in action along with a recent Premier League champion.

These are season-changing results in the title race and top four battle. Leicester are in need of a positive result after a turbulent start to 2019. We look for some of the best football bets of Sunday’s action below...

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LEICESTER CITY (1:30pm)

Tottenham host Leicester with the slightest thought of returning to the Premier League title race.

Liverpool dropped points last time out, meaning Spurs are only five points behind league-leading Manchester City, though a victory for the Reds on Saturday would put them eight points off top spot.

Leicester have made a habit of inconsistency. It is predictable in its own way, though.

A five-match winless run has seen league defeats to Wolves and Southampton but they held their own against Manchester United last weekend and took a point off Liverpool prior to that.

Claude Puel is still under significant pressure, but his Leicester side, despite being bland at times, have shown an ability to upset the top six. Wins over Manchester City and Chelsea serve as a warning to Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham have not been at their best of late, needing late drama to beat Newcastle and Wolves. They are getting the job done in the absence of Harry Kane.

Heung-min Son has been the key man – the South Korean international is 6/5 to score anytime at Wembley on Sunday.

The wings are a key area for Leicester if they are to take anything from this match. Harvey Barnes and James Maddison are expected to start on the flanks – Spurs’ full-backs have been vulnerable defensively at times this season.

This could be quite an open game as Tottenham commit bodies forward and Leicester transition quickly. There were nine goals in this fixture last season, and another goal fest looks a good bet.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Leicester City (Priced at 23/2 with 888sport)

MANCHESTER CITY vs Chelsea (4pm)

Manchester City are top of the Premier League at the time of writing. They will likely be back in second when this one kicks off but will be playing to return to the summit.

Chelsea sit fourth but could be level on points with Arsenal (currently sixth) by Sunday afternoon. Maurizio Sarri has seen his side struggle on the road of late, losing their last three in all competitions.

A thumping of Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge was a good result, though anything less would have been a real disappointment for the Blues as they aim for a Premier League top four finish.

The reverse fixture ended in an improbable 2-0 Chelsea win. Sarri’s side barely got a kick in the first half before N’Golo Kante gave them the lead on the stroke of half-time.

David Luiz made it two as Chelsea improved after the break. Chelsea’s defence has not looked capable of such a performance of late, though the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain should give them an extra threat in the final third on Sunday.

Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s respective transfer sagas have loomed over Chelsea in recent weeks as the team has faltered on the pitch. The defeats to Arsenal and Bournemouth are fresh in the memory, giving City confidence they can win comfortably.

Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick last weekend for the reigning champions and will start ahead of Gabriel Jesus on Sunday.

Only two players have scored more Premier League goals than Aguero this term despite his injury absence. His 10/11 price to score anytime is on the short side – the 13/4 to score first is a better bet.

Beating struggling Huddersfield aside, Chelsea have been poor of late. Manchester City showed their superiority over the chasing pack with their drubbing of Arsenal last weekend. This match could take a similar pattern.

TIP: Manchester City (-1) to win @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Manchester City 3-0 Chelsea (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Queens Park Rangers vs BIRMINGHAM CITY: Best Bets

QPR – 7/5

Draw – 21/10

BCFC – 41/20

Birmingham City will be confident of picking up a positive result when they travel down to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Garry Monk’s men are now just four points outside of the playoff places. A win here could be huge for momentum…

That 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at St Andrew’s could act as the catalyst for Monk’s side to push for a top six finish.

BCFC are 6/1 to finish in the top six according to 888sport Championship odds and belief is growing ahead of a key stage of the season.

At 41/20 in the latest sports betting odds, Birmingham are outsiders to claim three points at Loftus Road.

Their record in this fixture isn’t great to be fair; the Blues have won just one of their previous 10 fixtures in all competitions against Queens Park Rangers.

888sport are offering 11/10 for over 2.5 goals this weekend – this has landed in three of the last four meetings between the two sides.

Fans will recall September’s goalless draw though and that may be enough to tempt punters to look elsewhere.

Che Adams has been directly involved in 19 goals in his 30 Championship appearances for the Blues this season – an impressive return.

The Birmingham frontman is priced at 43/20 to get his name on the scoresheet once again and it would be foolish to back against him.

QPR are languishing down in 14^th position and this is the kind of game Birmingham must win if they are serious about challenging for a playoff spot.

The 12/25 available with 888sport for Monk’s side to avoid defeat is a solid price and well worth sticking in an accumulator.

Birmingham may be caught in two minds on how to approach this one.

The EVS on offer for Blues to win at least one half on Saturday should be snapped up – Monk’s men will make themselves difficult to break down and frustrating QPR could be the best route to victory.

Prediction: QPR 1-1 Birmingham (5/1)

Bet of the day: Birmingham to win at least one half (EVS)

Outside punt: Che Adams to score and match to end a draw (9/1)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Premier League continues this weekend with the title race alive and well. Saturday’s fixtures, which are the focus in this piece, feature Liverpool and several teams trying to avoid relegation.

Southampton face a huge clash against Cardiff, Huddersfield Town host Arsenal and there’s a London derby in mid-table as Crystal Palace host West Ham.

With a look at 888sport’s Premier League Odds odds, here are a few thoughts and tips on four fascinating 3pm fixtures.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs WEST HAM UNITED

Crystal Palace beat Fulham last weekend to give themselves a four-point cushion from the drop zone.

Roy Hodgson’s team have struggled in front of goal all season but will hope that can change with the January arrival of Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian should start on Saturday, while the Eagles look to add to their measly tally of eight home league goals.

West Ham have had a very West Ham couple of weeks. Poor performances and results against Bournemouth and Wolves were followed by a Monday night draw with Liverpool.

They are not going anywhere this season but will still fancy their chances of an upper-mid-table finish.

There will be plenty of attacking talent on display at Selhurst Park. This could be quite an open match, giving space to the flair players and resulting in a few goals.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ EVS

PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)

Huddersfield Town vs ARSENAL

Huddersfield are the one team in the relegation battle that might be running out of hope.

Jan Siewert took over recently but has suffered with the same issues as David Wagner. The Terriers do not have the quality to compete and need a miracle to even compete for safety.

Having been outplayed at the Etihad last time out, Arsenal have dropped to sixth and are now outsiders for a top four spot. Questions about Unai Emery have resurfaced.

Arsenal have lost their last three away from home, though they will be confident of ending that streak when they head north this weekend.

Despite injuries, the Gunners are a good price at 8/13 to pick up all three points. Their attacking firepower should prove too much.

TIP: Arsenal to win @ 8/13

PREDICTED SCORE: Huddersfield 0-2 Arsenal (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

LIVERPOOL vs AFC Bournemouth

Depending on Manchester City’s Wednesday night clash with Everton, Liverpool could have relinquished top spot by the time they host Bournemouth.

A draw with West Ham on Monday was hurtful for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have only won two of their last five league outings.

After beating Chelsea and West Ham convincingly, Bournemouth were poor and lost to Cardiff. Eddie Howe’s team are consistently inconsistent and that shows now signs of changing in the near future.

We don’t know what we will see from the Cherries at Anfield on Saturday.

Bournemouth have been woeful on the road this term, picking up just nine points and scoring once in their last five. Liverpool should return to winning ways.

TIP: Liverpool to win (-1) @ 1/2

PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

SOUTHAMPTON vs Cardiff City

Ralph Hasenhuttl has led Southampton to a five-match unbeaten streak, having drawn away to Burnley last time out. Saints could drop into the bottom three with defeat in this one, though.

Their last match at St Mary’s ended in disappointment with a draw to Palace. Every point is vital right now, but winning these matches is crucial if Hasenhuttl is to avoid a stressful May.

Cardiff secured an emotional victory at home to Bournemouth last weekend. Neil Warnock’s side are still stuck in the bottom three but are just two points from safety.

Their away form is dreadful, however, meaning anything other than a defeat would be a surprise here.

The visitors have scored seven goals away from home all season. Southampton are a different side under Hasenhuttl and could win this comfortably.

TIP: Southampton to win @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 2-0 Cardiff (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Another Saturday, another televised double with 888sport. Punters will be looking at the latest betting odds ahead of this weekend’s Premier League games and I’ve found a tasty 9/2 double on the two televised fixtures.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United head to Craven Cottage for a potential banana skin clash with Fulham.

The Red Devils, unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions under Solskjaer, will be wary of an upset on Saturday afternoon…

Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Burnley in the evening fixture.

Not a classic on paper but an intriguing contest all the same – can Sean Dyche’s side extend their unbeaten run to seven Premier League games? Only time will tell.

Enough chitchat, let’s get down to Saturday’s top Premier League and football betting tips. Scroll down for a read of my best bets ahead of the two televised fixtures.

Fulham vs MANCHESTER UNITED (12:30pm)

This has all the makings of an exciting game of football. Fulham have been solid at Craven Cottage in recent weeks, losing just one of their last four league games on home turf.

The home faithful will be hoping for another big performance on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham have the worst defensive record in the top flight. With just two clean sheets in 25 games, Claudio Ranieri has his work cut out to keep the Cottagers up.

A positive result would be great for confidence but 5/4 isn’t much of a price for Fulham to avoid defeat.

United continue to make positive headway under Solskjaer and the Red Devils are now just two points outside the top four.

Victory here will be enough to see United leapfrog Chelsea ahead of their clash with Manchester City on Super Sunday.

4/6 for United to emerge victorious is a decent enough price when all is said and done.

The 20-time English champions had to dig deep against Leicester City but United stood strong; their new-found resilience under Solskjaer is clear for all to see.

Taking everything into account, United to win with both teams scoring looks like the way to go this weekend.

43/20 is an excellent price considering their quality in attack and Fulham are usually a safe enough bet to score on home soil.

TIP: Man United to win and both teams to score @ 43/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Fulham 1-3 Man United (Priced at 12/1 with 888sport)

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs BURNLEY (5:30pm)

Home form has been central to Brighton’s time in the top flight but the Seagulls have failed to inspire confidence in recent weeks.

Chris Hughton’s men have failed to score in their last three home games in all competitions – fans will be hoping for a bit of luck this weekend.

Furthermore, Brighton have scored two or more goals just once in their last 11 matches at the Amex Stadium.

The 13/25 for under 1.5 Seagulls goals on Saturday night is appealing given their continued struggles in the final third.

Dyche’s side have stepped up to the plate in recent weeks, avoiding defeat in each of their last six Premier League games.

Burnley will take some stopping again this weekend; Clarets fans will be very tempted by the 14/5 for an away win at the Amex Stadium.

They have climbed out of the relegation zone in recent weeks but their position remains precarious.

This is a real opportunity for the Clarets to secure a huge win away from Turf Moor and Dyche will be urging his side to remain calm and composed throughout.

A low-scoring game looks likely on Saturday night. Under 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last five meetings between these two sides but I’m going for ‘no’ in the both teams to score market.

7/10 in 888sport Premier League odds for the selection is well worth snapping up.

TIP: Both teams to score - NO @ 7/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Brighton 0-1 Burnley (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The 2019 Grand National has attracted a bumper entry of 112 horses - up from 104 in 2018 and includes a record 47 trained in Ireland. The previous highest number of Irish-trained entries was 40 just last year.

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott will be attempting to land his third Grand National after Tiger Roll held on by a head from the fast-finishing Pleasant Company (Willie Mullins) last year. 

Tiger Roll is currently the 20/1 joint-favourite with many of the leading online bookmakers, as he bids to become the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back renewals of the race.

Unsurprisingly Elliott holds the most entries once again with a total of 22 horses engaged.

His armada of runners includes last year's third Bless The Wings, the Thyestes Chase runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux, the 2018 Irish Grand National winner General Principle and last season's Thyestes Chase scorer Monbeg Notorious (50/1), plus Grade One winners Outlander and Shattered Love.

Cork Grand National winner Out Sam and the Far Hills (USA) victor Jury Duty are also amongst the Elliott entries.

In addition to Pleasant Company, Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has entered up nine other possibles.

These include last season's Irish Grand National runner-up Isleofhopendreams, 2018 Leinster National winner Pairofbrowneyes and Rathvinden, who captured the four-mile National Hunt Chase at the The Festival in 2018.

Some Neck, the Thyestes Chase third Up For Review and Total Recall, winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy (formerly the Hennessy) at Newbury in 2017, also feature among the ten Mullins entries.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is seeking a record-equalling third success in the race after his Gigginstown Stud won last year with Tiger Roll and two years prior to that, with Rule The World. Gigginstown make up a total of 14 of the entries.

Leading British contenders include the Trevor Hemmings-owned Vintage Clouds, third in last season's Scottish Grand National behind Joe Farrell, plus Rock The Kasbah who won a valuable handicap chase at Cheltenham in November.

The 112 entries as of Wednesday 30^th January and their approximate odds are as follows:

20/1 - Tiger Roll, Elegant Escape

25/1 - Vintage Clouds, Rock The Kasbah

33/1 - Mall Dini, Rathvinden, Abolitionist, Valtor, Pleasant Company, Alpha des Obeaux, Vieux Lion Rouge, Step Back, Lake View Lad, Ballyoptic, Ms Parfois, Anibale Fly, Warriors Tale, General Principle, One For Arthur, Walk In The Mill

40/1 - Go Conquer, Shattered Love, Isleofhopendreams, Folsom Blue, Joe Farrell, Jury Duty, Auvergnat, Fact of The Matter, Royal Vacation, Some Neck, The Young Master, Cogry, Total Recall, Ramses De Teillee, Allysson Monterg, Traffic Fluide, Acapella Bourgeois, Ultragold, Up For Review, Minella Rocco, Missed Approach, Out Sam, Impulsive Star, Noble Endeavor, Blaklion            

50/1 - Baie Des Iles, Mr Diablo, Willie Boy, Monbeg Notorious, Outlander, Pairofbrowneyes, Bristol de Mai, Calett Mad, The Last Samuri, Daklondike, Don Poli, The Dutchman, Yala Enki, Singlefarmpayment, Give Me A Copper, Rogue Angel, Black Corton

66/1 - Sandymount Duke, Kilcrea Vale, Shantou Village, Livelovelaugh, American, Sizing Codelco, Exitas, Edwulf, Ziga Boy, Dounikos, Sub Lieutenant, Tea For Two, Looking Well, Rathlin Rose, Magic of Light, Mala Beach, Captain Redbeard, Call It Magic, Master Dee, Milansbar, Blow By Blow, Morney Wing, Kingswell Theatre, Van Gogh du Granit, Ballyhill, Vieux Morvan, Ballydine, Ballyarthur, Ned Stark, Westerner Point

80/1 - Regal Encore, Red Infantry, Splash of Ginge , Bless The Wings

100/1 - A Toi Phil, Measureofmydreams, Polidam, Potters Corner, Lieutenant Colonel, Woods Well, Scoir Mear, Just A Par, Back To The Thatch, Jarob, Highland Lodge, Skipthecuddles, The Storyteller, Carole's Destrier, Borice, Valseur Lido.

The lead up to the Grand National starts in earnest in a fortnight’s time when Aintree’s sister racecourse, Haydock Park, hosts the £100,000 G3 Grand National Trial on Saturday, February 16^th.

A total of 46 entries have been received for the extended three and a half-mile handicap chase, with 23 of those entries also engaged in the Grand National itself, so there will be plenty of clues coming your way.

Ramses de Teillee, trained by David Pipe, is the 8/1 favourite for the race and he is one of those entered in the National as well. The seven-year-old's most recent outing came when the length and a quarter runner-up in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

The Pond House trainer has also entered Daklondike (10/1), successful here earlier in the season in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase over two miles and seven furlongs and the Aintree regular Vieux Lion Rouge (20/1).

The Warren Greatrex-trained Missed Approach landed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles at last year’s Cheltenham betting Festival. 

He has made one appearance so far this season, coming home sixth behind Walk In The Mill in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December.

The nine-year-old holds entries in both the Trial, for which he is a 12/1 chance, and the Grand National for which he is quoted at 40/1.

Venetia Williams’ Yala Enki (12/1) was the wide-margin winner of this race last year and holds entries at both venues this year. Yala Enki was third in the Welsh Grand National last time out.

The Grand National Trial is also on the radar for One For Arthur (25/1), the 2017 Grand National winner. The 10-year-old, who missed last season because of injury, unseated four fences from home in the Peter Marsh Chase when he was beginning to run on.

One For Arthur’s trainer Lucinda Russell has a good record in the race with three successes to her name and she could also be represented by Big River (20/1), an impressive winner of the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase at Kelso last season.

The weights for the Grand National Trial will be revealed this Wednesday (6^th February) while the weights for the actual Grand National will be available on February 12^th.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Novak Djokovic cruised to the Australian Open title last month. Djokovic dropped sets along the way, but he kicked into another gear for the semi-final and final, destroying Lucas Pouille and then Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

Pouille’s demise was expected. Nadal’s was extraordinary. Nadal had been playing some of the best tennis of his career and we looked set for a belting final. Instead, Djokovic tore his old rival apart to lift a record-breaking seventh Australian Open trophy.

Djokovic overtook Pete Sampras on the all-time men’s Grand Slam winners list with his Melbourne triumph. Only two men, Nadal and Roger Federer, have won more Slams than Djokovic.

The Serbian’s career began in 2008, three years after Nadal and five after Federer. He is five Slams behind Federer and just two off Nadal – topping that table is well within reach before the end of his career.

Djokovic should be talked about as one of the greats, in the same breath as Federer and Nadal, it is fitting he has joined the pair with over 14 Grand Slams.

He muscled his way into that discussion. Along with a helping hand from Andy Murray, Djokovic made the ‘big two’ into a ‘big four’, he became the best player in the world and went toe-to-toe with all-time greats.

Peak Djokovic, when he held all four Slams in 2015/16, is arguably the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. He was superhuman, capable of returning anything, pushing his body to the extremes.

Even then, though, chronology left Djokovic in the shadows of Federer and Nadal.

Djokovic has the edge (over the course of his career) against Federer (25-22) and Nadal (28-25). He has benefited from playing post-peak Federer, and obviously his numbers against Nadal on clay are less favourable, but it is still a stunning record.

Two of the greats, perhaps the two greatest, have lost more than they have won when they take the court against Djokovic.  

The next tier, for want of a better phrase, fared much worse against Djokovic. The Serbian has a 25-11 against Murray and completely dominated Stan Wawrinka, winning 19 and losing just five matches.

Wawrinka is the only non-big-four player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam final, as he has done twice. Murray and Wawrinka are two of the best in this generation. Djokovic has proven superior over a decade.

Stamina and resilience are perhaps Djokovic’s most important traits, and certainly his most famous. He has been involved in plenty of epics, including the 2012 Australian Open final against Nadal, which ended just shy of the six-hour mark.

The duration of Federer and Nadal’s rivalry meant they developed their loyal support. Djokovic did not have the same luxury, and might have suffered in Britain, down to his tendency to beat Murray on the biggest stage.

Djokovic beat Murray in five of their seven Grand Slam final meetings, along with several other heart-breaking losses for the Brit, which earned Djokovic respect in Britain, but he was more pantomime villain than idol.

Djokovic always believed he could be this good. He was brash as he crept up the world rankings, happy to talk up his own ability. He was right, he did eventually beat Nadal on clay, proving he was beatable as he said all those years ago.

He does not have the elegance of Federer, nor the awe-striking physicality of Nadal. Djokovic is still a superhuman athlete and freaky, all-around tennis player, capable of the extraordinary on all surfaces.

His game is without frills, at his best he grinds his opponents down, outlasting them in rallies and seldom making an error. It is clinical and without weakness, while that earns praise, it does not necessarily attract fandom and admiration.

Back in 2016, Djokovic became the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four Grand Slams. He is the all-court player in both meanings, he covers every inch and thrives on every surface. In the same year, Laver declared Djokovic tied with Federer as the greatest ever.

Since then, Djokovic has recovered from injury and loss of form, which looked to have ended his time atop the men’s game. Djokovic is a successful Roland Garros away from holding all four Slams again.

There is an element of subjectivity in greatness in any field. Picking between the current three is splitting hairs. Timing, style and maybe personality have contributed to Djokovic being left out of the conversation despite his achievements.

His victories over Pouille and Nadal were a reminder of his brilliance and should have finally consolidated his place in Federer and Nadal’s exclusive group.  

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